by Matthew Faria
Originally from New York, Junior Tom Sansone is an ice hockey player coming to Hudson, Massachusetts, to play for the Boston Junior Bruins 18U team. He currently lives with senior hockey captain Rocco Malloy. This is a big transition for him although he has played at this level of hockey before.
What level of hockey did you play before moving here?
I played junior hockey for the Junior Islanders in the USPHL (same league as the Junior Bruins). The team was good. We made it to playoffs but lost in semi-finals. I gained a lot of playing time that season. I had 24 goals and 16 assists. There were 60 games in the season.
Why try junior hockey? What brings you to HHS?
It looks good for college hockey, and a lot of scouts come to the games. I play for Junior Bruins team in Marlborough, so HHS is the closest school to my current house.
How long have you played hockey, and why?
I have played for 9 years. I became interested in the sport when I went to a birthday party at age 6, and my friends and I played hockey there.
Did you ever anticipate playing hockey at this level?
Yes I did. As a child, I usually led the league in points and wanted more of a challenge.
What are your future plans as a hockey player?
My main goal is to go Division 1 in college hockey. I am mostly interested in University of Michigan or Boston University.
How is the junior team so far?
Currently, we are 9-0. The team averages at least 4 goals per game. We are a very skilled team that is taking over the league. Some players come from Denmark and Sweden, so there is a lot of talent from all over.
How did you get involved with the Junior Bruins?
My old junior (Islanders) team played against Junior Bruins. I was scouted by the team, and their head coach asked me to try out.
What separates Junior Bruins from other programs/teams?
They are very well organized and know how to teach players. They are a fun team to play for and a very successful program. Players are coached better and better drills are run in practice. The team is very well known, especially by colleges.
Do you feel opportunities are better here than they were back in New York?
Absolutely, I have already spoken with college scouts only 9 games into the season, UMass Lowell and Michigan. New York hockey isn’t as well known as hockey here.
Do you see yourself continuing your career with the Junior Bruins?
Yes, for two years, and then hopefully moving on to college to play hockey.
Was the transition of moving to a new high school in a new town difficult for you?
Not at all. Everyone is very nice and welcoming at Hudson High School. I feel like I belong here.
Do you miss playing hockey in New York, or are you more comfortable here?
No. High school hockey back in New York was a “joke” as the program wasn’t all that successful. The junior team I am on now is much better than the team I played for when living in New York.
What process led you to live with Rocco Malloy? Are you having a good time living there?
I was given 3 families to choose from by the team, and I picked the Malloys. I feel very comfortable there. I can go out and have friends over, do almost anything I want. It is as if I am like a second son to the family.
Are there other kids in the same position as you?
Yes, mostly everyone. There are kids from Denmark, Sweden and other countries. The team has a lot of skill thanks to these young European players and other successful recruits on the team.
Sansone will continue to play on the Junior Bruins 18U team for the remainder of this year as he is enjoying the program. In the future, he plans to play another year on the team and then will go off to college in attempts to make it on a Division 1 roster. Best of luck to Sansone and his hockey career.